Ronchi Dei Legionari, ITALY – Down a run to the Kingdom of Netherlands, Auburn softball assistant coach Emily Carosone delivered the game-winning blow, driving in the game-tying and go-ahead runs to carry Team Italy to the gold at the 2021 Women's Softball Championship.
Facing its largest deficit of the tournament, Team Italy battled back from a 3-0 Netherlands lead with Carosone a key piece of the comeback. Trailing 3-2 in the second inning, Carosone stepped to the plate with two outs and the bases loaded. The three-time All-American smoked a single up the middle, driving home a pair of runs to give Italy its first lead of the game.
Carosone's clutch bases-loaded single was the spark Team Italy's offense needed as it added four insurance runs in the fourth inning and one in the seventh for a 9-5 victory in the championship game. The victory marks Team Italy's 12th overall and second consecutive European Championship.
With the win, Team Italy secured the final spot at World Games 2022 in Birmingham, Ala., next July, joining the United States, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Chinese Taipei, China and Australia.
Carosone reached base in four of her five plate appearances, going 2-for-3 with a pair of singles, two RBI and a run scored. She also drew a walk and was hit by a pitch.
Team Italy closed the European Championship undefeated and outscored opponents 126-6. Italy earned eight run-rule victories over a span of 11 games.
Carosone started nine of Italy's 11 games at the European Championship, splitting time as designated player and at second base. She batted .474 with nine hits in 19 at-bats, including three doubles for a .632 slugging clip. She added 12 runs scored and six RBI. Carosone closed the championship with a .643 on-base percentage, reaching safely in 18 of her 28 plate appearances.
Italy clinched a spot for the Tokyo Olympics after winning the 2019 Europe/Africa Olympic qualifier and will open the games against the United States on Tuesday, July 20 at 10 p.m. CT. An official roster for the Italian Olympic team has not been announced at this time.